Highland Creek — Native Trees of Tennessee
Nature, roots, and quiet challenge — a local favorite from Highland Creek.
*Originally published on MyPuzzleDay.com — October 10, 2024*
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I picked up this Native Trees of Tennessee puzzle from a local shop because I’ve always loved trees, and the artwork caught my eye. It’s educational without feeling stuffy — a calm, nature-focused puzzle that teaches you a little something while you work.
Just The Deets!
❖ Piece Cut: Random
❖ Piece Fit: Snug
❖ False Fits: No
❖ Piece Gauge: 1.8 mm
❖ Puzzle Finish: Velvet
❖ Reference Poster: No
❖ Dust Level: Medium
❖ Box Quality: Sturdy Cardboard
❖ Puzzle Size 1000 Piece: 19.7″ x 27.6″
❖ Made in USA
Image Quality & Themes
Highland Creek puzzles showcase beautifully detailed and thoughtfully curated regional motifs ranging from delicate botanical elements to birds, fungi, flora, and fauna. The artwork is crisp and vivid, and the colors are rich without ever feeling overwhelming or harsh. Even close-up, the edges of fine details—like leaf veins or petal outlines—remain sharp and well-defined, showing no noticeable pixelation or blurring, which speaks to the high-quality print resolution.
The no-glare, velvet-touch finish adds to the visual appeal, softening reflections under normal indoor lighting and giving the artwork a gentle, warm look rather than the starkness of a glossy coating. Beyond the technical aspects, the variety and charm of the design elements keep the puzzle visually engaging from start to finish, making it enjoyable both as a completed image and during the assembly process.
✋ Hands On Experience
I didn’t expect the edges to be such a challenge. The artwork fades softly into the border, and several edge pieces have quirky shapes, so it took a few test fits before everything clicked into place. The border felt like its own mini-puzzle — a mix of guesswork, patience, and those oddly satisfying ‘aha’ moments when a piece finally fits.
The random cut kept things fun — no two pieces looked too much alike, which meant fewer false matches. The fit itself was snug but forgiving; pieces locked in nicely without feeling like they’d bend under pressure.
The surface texture was a standout. That velvety matte finish not only feels nice to handle but also cuts down glare under overhead light. It’s the kind of texture that makes you want to keep picking pieces up just because it’s so smooth.
Overall, the puzzle flowed really well. The clear image and distinct colors made sorting easy, and most of the challenge came from the shapes rather than confusing color zones. It hit that sweet spot between relaxing and rewarding.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros (The Experience & Quality)
Velvet-touch, no glare finish makes the puzzle easy on the eyes
Educational and visually appealing regional artwork
Crisp, well-defined details with balanced colors
Random cut adds challenge and variety
Great as a souvenir or gift
❌ Cons (Minor Imperfections)
No poster included – not a deal breaker for me but some puzzlers want them
Some edge pieces were tricky; a few were just push-fit making the edges harder to keep together
💡 Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Highland Creek puzzles carve out a distinctive niche with their focus on nature, native flora, and regional wildlife. Their state-specific collections—like Wildflowers of Florida or Native Birds of Tennessee—offer both variety and collectible appeal, while the consistent botanical and wildlife motifs keep the style cohesive.
Most puzzles are 1,000 pieces (~19.25″ × 26.625″) with a random cut that adds challenge and ensures a satisfying fit. For puzzlers who enjoy visually engaging, educational designs or want a unique gift or souvenir, Highland Creek delivers a high-quality, rewarding experience.
For a high-quality, visually stunning puzzle that celebrates regional flora and fauna, Highland Creek is hard to beat!
🧩 If you’re a nature lover like me, definitely check out Highland Creek they make a Native Trees and other nature related puzzles for every state. It’s such a fun way to see what grows where you live!